Breast-feeding in the budget bill

Under an amendment to the House budget measure, State Comptroller Susan Combs would have to include notification of a mother’s right to breast-feed her baby in the tax policy newsletter she sends to businesses.

The amendment specifies that the right exists “in any location” where the mother and baby “are authorized to be.” The notification would have to be included at least annually.

The issue is being pushed by Rep. Jessica Farrar, D-Houston, who also has a separate bill on the subject. Her amendment was offered by Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, because Farrar was not present for the first part of the budget debate. Farrar said by phone that she went to Houston for a family matter, but was driving back to Austin.

The House voted 88-52 for the amendment.

Among those registered as voting against it was Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Houston, apparently undaunted by the comments and national attention she got when she opined on Facebook that moms should be modest when they breastfeed.